USQ lecturer awarded University's first Carrick Competitive Grant

An Education Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has been awarded the University's first Carrick Competitive Grant worth $150,000.

Dr Julie Ballantyne has been working at the University's Springfield campus since February this year and said she was surprised and excited to receive the Grant.

'Carrick Competitive Grants are hard to get and there is a long selection process, so to receive one was great.'

The $150,000 grant will fund a project to bridge the gaps that currently exist in music teacher education. The University of Tasmania, Deakin University and Griffith University are also involved in the initiative.

'Through this project we will develop exemplary practice models using peer collaboration, because up to now there has really been no learning and teaching frameworks developed for music teacher education.

'USQ is the lead institution with three other universities also taking part and what we want to do is initiate these practice models across all four universities.

'It is good for music education to be represented in these grants.'

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at USQ, Professor Maurice French, congratulated Dr Ballantyne on her achievement and highlighted the significance of the grant.

'These grants are awarded nationwide and are fiercely contested, with only 20 per cent of those who apply for them successful.

'For Dr Ballantyne to be recognised, particularly in her first year at USQ, in this way is a true reflection of how much work she has put into this and it is well deserved.'

Dr Ballantyne is hopeful that the project will commence in September, with the practice models expected to be completed over the next two to three years.

'By starting in September we should be able to get some trials underway next year.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +7 61 4631 1628 or 0403 643 192